Becoming Ready

Chapter 18 - Birthday Getaway

That weekend was Charlie's nineteenth birthday. Filming on The Outlaws wasn't going to begin until the following week, so she was free to celebrate however she liked. Normally she worked on Sundays, something she would have to adjust temporarily when production started, but she took that Sunday off because Shawn told her he had planned something special.

She had little to no information about it until Saturday morning, when he told her to pack a bag for an overnight stay at an undisclosed location, and that he was coming to get her within the hour. Normally she hated surprises, but this one was welcome. A romantic getaway with Shawn, away from her family and tiny apartment for the weekend? Yes please.

She threw some things together and told Courtney and her parents about Shawn's surprise. She already shared her location with Courtney on her phone at all times, so she would know where she was. Pretty soon, Shawn arrived and she was off.

"You ready to get out of here?" Shawn asked, leaning out the car window as she put her bag in the trunk.

"So ready," she answered, hopping in the passenger seat.

They listened to playlist of nineties and aughties (aka 2000's) hits as they drove, singing to each other, windows down and wind whipping their hair. Charlie took in the gorgeous October day as they drove up the coast. In the Mediterranean climate of Bridgeport, there were rarely any days without sun, no matter what time of year it was.

Shawn still wouldn't tell her where exactly they were going. They stopped for some groceries, messing around and dancing with each other in the aisles of the store. They quickly discovered they could dance to anything, even Muzak, if they committed enough.

Finally, they pulled up to a beautiful beach house with a private driveway. They drove in, and Charlie could tell the house was basically right on the sand. She ran inside and practically screamed when she saw how nice it was. Shawn laughed at her as she ran from room to room, squealing at nearly everything she discovered.

"Shawn how did you manage this?" she asked him breathlessly.

"My sponsor's friend offered," he explained. "He normally rents it out short term, but it wasn't occupied this weekend, so we get it for free. Just as long as we clean up after ourselves."

"Oh my god!" She threw her arms around him. "You are the best boyfriend on the face of the planet. How did I get so lucky?"

He kissed her. "I ask myself that all the time about you."

That night they sat in the jacuzzi together, looking at the stars and listening to the waves. Behind the house was a deck where the hot tub was, with a small fence leading out to the ocean, so it was like they had their own private beach.

Charlie sat in Shawn's lap, leaning back against his chest. She sighed, feeling very relaxed and happy.

She had asked him earlier how she had gotten so lucky, but it wasn't just because of this weekend. He had proven time and time again how amazing of a boyfriend, and person, he was.

When she told him about getting cast in The Outlaws, he was absolutely thrilled for her, even though it meant they weren't going to see each other as often for a while. He didn't get upset when she told him River was playing her love interest, or that Professor Roth wanted them to rehearse and spend time together. He trusted her. Just like he had when she went to dinner with Cassius.

At times with Cassius, Charlie felt like he wanted her to dim her light. Meaning he never wanted her to shine too brightly, or get too much attention. He made her feel bad when other guys looked at her, blaming her for dressing too provocatively. Shawn, on the other hand, grinned if he ever caught another guy staring at Charlie. And he always said something like, "Can't blame the guy, you're gorgeous."

He always wanted the best for her, even if it meant that she should go to AA, and he always saw the best in her. He had his own life, and he let her live hers, but he still prioritized spending time with her whenever possible.

She turned around to face him, straddling his lap.

"Shawn, can I tell you something?" she asked, placing her hands on his shoulders.

"Of course you can, Goldie. What is it?"

"I think I'm in love with you."

A smile spread across his face slowly. "You stole my line."

She laughed. "How so?"

"I brought you here this weekend so I could tell you that I'm in love with you," he said, still smiling at her. "But you went and stole my thunder."

She raised her eyebrow and leaned toward him suggestively. "I upstaged you?" she asked, making another acting reference.

"You brought the house down," he murmured, before capturing her lips in a kiss. 

*** Awwwwww. That's all. Lol.